You’re right. I can’t believe I forgot Will Smith.
I remember reading an article years ago (maybe even last year about Hancock) that movie industry analysts are shocked that Will Smith can generate huge ticket sales even in countries that are horribly racist against black people.
If that doesn’t count as worldwide appeal, I’m not sure what does.
Will Smith is also the first actor in decades who can successfully “open” dramas, comedies *and *action/SF films.
Another person who may qualify is someone more famous for being behind the camera: Steven Speilberg. Is there anyone on the planet who doesn’t know who he is?
… oh, god. George Lucas.
He’s mellowed in recent years - decades, even! - but if Mick Jagger died while the Stones were touring, that would generate a huge amount of coverage. If he died quietly at home, probably not so much!
Good call on Will Smith. He’s just so damned likeable, even though I haven’t seen that many of his films.
Not persons, but individual events can get pretty big. The movie Titanic…I think everyone across the globe who has access to a TV has seen it.
Ha! Not me! I take great pride in this.
Pele has the superhuman thing going on, but none of the mad and bad. Millions will mourn his passing the world over, with the exception of the USA since they’re not into footie.
A few non-Americans have heard of Muhammed Ali.
How is that worse than what MJ was before he died. Because she’s woman?
Hear her roar.
My daughter, who is 12 now, didn’t have any idea who Madonna was when her aunt brought her up last year. “Who’s Madonna?” she asked, and she didn’t even know why the rest of us adults were laughing so hard! So, when Michael Jackson died, I asked her if she knew who he was. She rolled her eyes as only a 12-year-old girl can and said, “Of course I know who Michael Jackson is!”
That’s the verdict from the children of the world: “Who’s Madonna?”
Any major soccer star beats anyone in this thread, including Jackson. Only Americans wouldn’t realize this. 
Are there worldwide soccer stars anymore? Is Beckham beloved everywhere and not just in Europe/Asia?
It’s a good question, who is the most well known now person worldwide now.
I don’t think it’s a sports star. I don’t even know what Ronaldo looks like, although I have heard the name. And I’m sure a huge number of women feel the same.
Madonna, Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp are good bets. If factor #3 is important, I would go for Madonna. If not, then my guess is Obama.
I have. In the week or so since his death, any time they play his songs, the DJs get all solemn sounding and people call up weeping. That’s here in Bakersfield and when I was down in LA for work.
In the early 90’s Garth Brooks was pretty well known.
As a Brit who’s lived in various European countries I’m bemused why people think Tiger Woods would have such a big impact ?
Because MJ didn’t prance around in skimpy outfits like he was still a teenager. Madonna still thinks she has the body she had 30 years ago. At least MJ had the decency to wear a surgical mask in public to cover his nose up most of the time…